An in-flight refueling system, alignment system, and method are provided for substantially automating the positioning and engagement of an in-flight refueling system carried by a first aircraft with respect to a refueling receptacle carried by a second aircraft so as to facilitate an in-flight refueling operation between the first and the second aircraft. More specifically, the present invention provides for the alignment of the in-flight refueling boom with the refueling receptacle such that an extendable nozzle may extend from the in-flight refueling boom and engage the refueling receptacle to initiate an in-flight refueling operation.